I woke up the next morning, and it was 9 a.m.
The school bus would leave at 2 p.m. for the national competition.
I had to hurry.
And even though I didn’t know why
I decided to go.
I quietly took out the money I had saved for emergencies.
I told Grandma,
The school is taking everyone out for a project trip for five days.
It’s compulsory. The school will cover all expenses.”
I knew it was a lie. But I couldn’t tell her the truth.
“I’ll leave now… I’m already late.”
I couldn’t tell Dad either, he had already left for the fields.
I reached school, exactly ten minutes before the bus started moving.
Dev spotted me and yelled,
“Sam! Hurry up, we’re about to leave!”
Alex looked annoyed and muttered,
“I thought you weren’t coming.
Honestly, that would’ve been the right decision.”
I didn’t reply.
Alex and I sat together in the front seat.
I got the window side.
I took a long, deep breath.
But the sadness inside me didn’t leave.
As the bus started moving, I closed my eyes, pretending to sleep, just to avoid conversation.
But inside, my mind was racing:
What’s going to happen next?
I hate this competition. And now I’m heading straight into a national one.
And after I return…
What will I tell Dad?
Will I be able to keep the promises I made to him… to my family… and to myself?
Or will I lose all I have?
To be continued… (Wait for the next part)
Part 1 Ended